Adjustable hanger bracket assembly

ABSTRACT

An adjustable hanger bracket and bracket assembly for tubular members. The assembly includes a longitudinally extendable span member arranged to be fastened to facing sides of laterally spaced supporting members, such as horizontally disposed joists or vertically positioned wall studs. Longitudinally adjustable brackets slidably engage the external surface of the slidably adjustable span member to support tubing or piping sections which may be positioned between adjacent studs or joists.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a device having special application forsupporting flexible PEX (cross-linked polyethylene), or copper tubing,used in radiant heating installations, as well as for stubbing outcopper tubing supplying hot and cold water for kitchen and bathroomusage.

2. Background Information

It is usual to provide supporting brackets for PEX or copper tubing forsupplying heated radiant heat applications under floors and within wallsof buildings, as well as for stubbing out copper tubing used in hot orcold supply lines while positioned in the area between floor joists of abuilding, or between wall studs. In the latter case, such tubing isoften used for supplying hot and/or cold water from a source to variouslavatory, toilet or other fixtures used in commercial lavatories and inhome bathrooms and kitchens. It is essential, particularly in radiantheating, to maintain the spatial distance from the tube carrying heatedwater or other liquids to the under flooring and to be able to controlthe temperature in a particular room. This often requires tedious manualadjustment of wire twists and wire ties and brackets for securing thetubing to a hanger bracket at a relatively fixed distance from theflooring or wallboard. Such actions require a great deal of manualmanipulation and tying of wire ties and the like.

In addition, components of previous brackets have generally been fixedin dimension, which required additional manipulation, cutting, solderingor welding to insure proper dimension between supporting members, suchas floor joists and vertical studs. Generally the spacing between studsand joists is governed by local codes. However, over time, thesecodified dimensions may vary. Consequently, there is a need for anadjustable pipe or tubing supporting bracket, and one that is easy toinstall and adjust to suitable dimension. This is particularly true inthe case of fluid transporting tubing or piping requiring long stretchesand bends in radiant heating installations. In addition, the spacingbetween such tubing or piping is specified by local codes. Thus, theneed for adjustable assemblies has become quite prevalent over theyears. Consequently, there is need for an adjustable pipe or tubinghanging member that is easy to install and provides secure fastening oftubing or other fluid transporting devices. This is particularly true inoverhead installation of tubing or piping.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to an adjustable hanger bracket memberfor supporting flexible PEX tubing or copper pipe or the like. Theadjustable bracket assembly has particular application for use insupporting tubing or piping between floor joists and spacing betweenupstanding wall stud members, which spacing may vary over time in use

The adjustable hanger bracket assembly of this invention comprises agenerally linear, longitudinally adjustable, supporting span member. Thelongitudinal bracket adjustment is provided by means of at least twoelongated span members maintained in slidable “nesting” arrangement.Both bracket segments are preferably formed from sheet metal stamped,extruded, or otherwise bent to a predetermined configuration. Eachsegment preferably includes an elongated base portion, which issubstantially planar along its longitudinal axis, and which is furtherdefined to have an outwardly angular bend at both of the parallel sidesto provide oppositely spaced, coextensive apron portions of fixed widthalong the longitudinal axis of the adjustable span member.

The segments are each of similar cross-section with the top sectionoverlaying the under segment to provide slidable longitudinal adjustmentof the nested span segments to accommodate dimensional variations in thespacing between stationary support members, such as the adjacent joistsor studs. The segments are restrained from separation by means of alaterally extending marginal edge portion of the overlaying top segmentbeing bent inwardly to wrap around the underlying marginal edge portionof the under segment of the span member.

Further adjustability of the bracket assembly may be achieved with theaddition of one or more longitudinally adjustable pipe clamps slidablysecured to the uppermost segment of the span member. The pipe clamps arepreferably formed to receive and retain either PEX, plastic tubing, orcopper pipe or the like. In a preferred form, each of the clamps ismolded of a resilient material, such as commercially available ABS white#740. (ABS is a plastic molding material having the generic nameAcrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene and obtained from multiple sourceslisted in the current Plastics Encyclopedia published by McGraw Hill ofHeights Town, N.J.).

The clamps are integrally formed with a supporting base portion with anoppositely extending clamping arms. One set of bifurcated clamping armsis formed to provide inwardly facing surfaces, preferably dimensioned toembrace the outer, exposed surface of the span member. The base portionof each clamp further encloses oppositely extending, bifurcated clampingarms each cooperating to provide inwardly facing clamping surfaces forresiliently embracing a respective tubing or piping member. Each of theintegrally formed, bifurcated arms are provided with retaining portionspermitting “snap action” during entry and retention of a respective pipeor tubing. Each clamp is further designed to provide longitudinaladjustment relative to the span member, and may be positioned on thespan member, either before or after securing the span member to theadjacent joists or stud members. It will be apparent that facileinstallation of the bracket assembly has been greatly simplified bymeans of this assembly. The entire installation, except for applyingfasteners for mounting to adjacent joists and studs, may be accomplishedwith manual manipulation of parts. There is no need of spring-likedevices requiring special tools or soldering, each of which entailsextra time for installation labor. The novel assembly includes a readilyadjustable supporting span member with added versatility withinstallation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the bracket assembly of this inventionwith supported tubing or piping members shown in phantom.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the assembly of FIG. 1 as takenalong lines 2-2 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the bracket assembly of FIG. 1, andillustrating a respective lavatory installation of the assemblypositioned between adjacent vertical wall studs.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the assembly of FIG. 1, and illustratinga representative radiant heating installation of the assembly positionedbetween adjacent horizontal floor joists.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate the versatility in installation of the novelbracket assembly 10. FIG. 4 is directed to an installation utilized forunder-floor radiant heating, whereas FIG. 3 illustrates an installationof a substantially identical assembly utilized for supporting waterinlets positioned between a pair of spaced apart, adjacent, wall studsupporting members 28.

As will be apparent from the following detailed description, the presentassembly may have a multitude of applications, and also may be modified,for instance, to be secured by use of pointed, arrow-like projections(not shown) designed to penetrate into the fibers of wood supportmembers, such as joists or studs. With reference to FIG. 1, it will beobserved that the assembly 10 is comprised of a longitudinallyextendable span member 12. The span member 12 is comprised of tworelatively slidable upper and lower segments 14 and 16, respectively,wherein the uppermost or top segment 14 overlays and is in slidableengagement with the underlying or bottom segment 16. Span membersegments 14 and 16 are each preferably fabricated from relatively thinaluminum or galvanized steel sheet stock. The segments 14 and 16 may bestamped or extruded in accordance with conventional manufacturingpractice. In the preferred embodiment, it will be noted from the view ofFIG. 2 that both segments 14, 16 are angularly bent relative to arespective base portion 14 a, 16 a to provide the integrally formed sideor apron portions 14 b,14 c and 16 b, 16 c. Again, from the view of FIG.2 it will be noted that portions 14 a, 14 b, and 14 c each overlaycorresponding portions 16 a, 16 b, and 16 c. As stated previously, thesegments 14 and 16 are longitudinally slidable relative to one another,and the integral portions 18 b and 18 c provide marginal edge portions,which are inturned to slidably support the respective apron portions 16b and 16 c of the segment 16. The inwardly bent marginal edge portions18 b and 18 c of segment 16 act to prevent separation of the segments 14and 16 until such time that they may be separated by longitudinalwithdrawal. It will be further noted that the respective exposed endportions 20 and 22 are downturned with respect to FIG. 1, and are eachpreferably provided with apertures 20 a and 22 a, respectively. Theapertures 20 a and 22 a are arranged to receive fasteners, such as woodscrews 24 (see FIG. 4), or in the case of metallic studs or joists, nutand bolt assemblies (not shown). As stated previously, the end portions20 and 21 may also be formed with a known, arrow-like configurationdesigned to penetrate wood fibers of studs or joists (not shown).

With particular reference to FIG. 1, and also to the disclosedinstallation embodiments of FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, it will be observed thatthe adjustable hanger bracket assembly 10 of this invention furtherincludes additional adjustment means to provide adjustable spacingbetween supported tubular PEX or copper tubing 26 a and 26 b (PEX orcopper tubing 26).

The present assembly further contemplates additional cooperatingcomponents for individually supporting tubing or pipe 26. The tubings 26are adjustably separable and supported by pipe clamps 32, slidablyreceived and movable relative to the span segments 14 and 16 before orafter assembly to upstanding, spaced apart, stud members 28 (see FIG. 3)or between laterally spaced floor joists 30 (see FIG. 4). Withparticular reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, it will be noted that the pipe ortubing clamps 32 are designed for “snap-in-place” reception of tubing orpiping 26. To accomplish this, the individual clamps 32 are preferablyinjection molded from ABS plastic material (White #740). The clamps 32include bifurcated leg portions 41 arranged to be momentarily spreadapart to receive and embrace the pipe or tubing 26, and are preferablydimensioned to be longitudinally slidable relative to the tubing 26,should such axial adjustment be necessary. As shown, a plurality of theclamps 32 may be used in spaced-apart relationship and mounted on thespan member 12 and are each adjustably moveable for a desired positionrelative to the span member 12. This adjustability has specialapplication for plumbing applications as shown in FIG. 3, where twoconduits of tubing or pipe 26 are shown in laterally spacedrelationship. One of the pipes or tubes 26 may be for transporting coldwater, and the other hot water for lavatory application with spacedfaucets (not shown).

Another very desirable application of the novel assembly is in the fieldof radiant underfloor heating, such as shown in FIG. 4. Here the spanmember 12 may be moved upwardly or downwardly either before or afterinstallation of the tubing 26 and obviously movable for horizontaladjustment forward or rearward prior to permanent mounting with afastener, such as the wood screw 24. Obviously, any of several fastenersmay be used, depending upon the material of the joists or studs and thepreference of the installer.

With further reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, it will be noted that each ofthe clamps 32 preferably includes resilient, bifurcated, clamping legs34. The legs 34 preferably include inturned marginal edges 36 arrangedto grasp and secure the marginal edges of the apron portions 14 b and 14c. It will be understood that the above-described clamp 32 may be movedin either longitudinal direction relative to the span member 12 to suitthe installer. The clamps 32 may be assembled to the span member 12either before or after installation of the pipe or tubing 26 with a“snap-in-place” connection supplied by the legs 34 of the clamp 32 andthe protuberance 35 at the marginal edge portion 36 of each leg. It willbe apparent that choice of resilient material will be a factor inproviding the resiliency required. The ABS molding material has beenfound to be quite satisfactory in both the support and adjustability ofthe individual clamps 32 relative to the span member 12 and to thetubing or piping 26. Protruding portion 40 at the distal ends of theupwardly extending bifurcated arms 41 also provide snap-in-placereception of a tube or pipe 26.

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles ofthe invention. Furthermore, since numerous modifications and changeswill readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired tolimit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown anddescribed. While the preferred embodiment has been described, thedetails may be changed without departing from the invention, which isdefined by the claims.

1. An adjustable hanger bracket assembly for supporting an objectpositioned between a pair of spaced apart stationary support members,said assembly comprising: an elongated longitudinally extendable, spanmember, said span member having a first segment and a second segment,said second segment overlaying and being longitudinally slidablerelative to said first segment, each of said segments having a distalend including means for securing its respective segment to a respectiveone of said pair of stationary support members; and at least oneclamping member for supporting said object, said clamping memberincluding a base and at least one pair of bifurcated arms laterallyextending from said base, said bifurcated arms being of resilientmaterial and being configured to surround and to releasably grasp anexposed surface of a segment of said span member.
 2. The bracketassembly of claim 1 wherein the segments of said span member are each ofsubstantially identical cross-sectional configuration, and wherein eachsegment includes an elongated base portion and oppositely disposed,angularly bent apron portions, and further wherein the apron portions ofsaid second segment include a distal marginal edge portion laterallyextending beyond the marginal edge of the respective apron portions ofsaid first segment and being bent inwardly to wrap around and slidablyreceive the marginal edges of the respective apron portions of saidfirst segment.
 3. The bracket assembly of claim 1 wherein said supportedobject is a tube having a cylindrical outer surface, and wherein saidclamping member releasably supports said object.
 4. The bracket assemblyof claim 1 further including a second pair of bifurcated arms includinginwardly curved surfaces arranged to releasably receive said object. 5.The bracket assembly of claim 1 wherein said bifurcated arms are furtherformed with a protuberance at their respective distal ends forsnap-in-place reception of the exposed surface of said segment.
 6. Thebracket assembly of claim 4 wherein the second pair of bifurcated armsare further formed with a protuberance at their respective distal endsfor snap-in-place reception of said object.
 7. An adjustable bracket forsupporting an object along a span member comprising: a base supportingfirst and second oppositely extending pairs of bifurcated arms forreleasably and adjustably supporting said object on said span member;said first pair of bifurcated arms including inwardly curved surfacesarranged to receive and embrace the surface of said object; and saidsecond pair of said bifurcated arms including inwardly facing surfacesarranged to receive and to grasp an exposed surface of said span member.8. The adjustable bracket of claim 7 wherein said first pair ofbifurcated arms are further formed with a protuberance at theirrespective distal ends for snap-in-place reception of said object. 9.The adjustable bracket of claim 7 wherein said second pair of bifurcatedarms are further formed with a protuberance at their respective distalends for snap-in-place reception of said span member.
 10. The bracketassembly of claim 7 wherein said clamping member is formed from asingle, integrally molded, resilient plastic material.
 11. The bracketassembly of claim 10 wherein the plastic material containsAcrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene.